County Adds Bite To Pet Abuse Law

A bill passed by the Suffolk County Legislature May 10 could require pet sellers to screen potential customers before a sale is made, further strengthening a bill passed last year to help prevent animals from falling into the wrong hands.

The bill currently awaits the signature of County Executive Steve Levy.

Last year, Suffolk County approved the first public registry of convicted animal abusers of its kind under “Justin’s Law,” following the arrest of Sachem resident Sharon McDonough’s for felony animal cruelty in 2009. 

“Cooper’s bill,” sponsored by Legislative Majority Leader , D-Lloyd Harbor, would require county pet stores, breeders and animal shelters to ask for photo identification from prospective owners and adopters.

Store owners would then be mandated to check names against the animal abuser registry or face fines ranging from $500 for the first offense, to $1,500 for subsequent infractions.

“The fine is crazy and trying to have people check on the internet to see if they were an animal abuser, I think, is difficult,” said Al Selmer, owner of Selmer’s Pet Land in Huntington Station.

Selmer supports the registry but has reservations about the companion bill’s stipulation of mandatory checks because he does not want his employees to have open access to the Internet. He suggested the use a telephone service instead. 

After unwittingly selling an animal to McDonough a few years ago, Selmer was able to provide police with a copy of her driver’s license during the investigation. 

Joe DeRosa, owner of in Huntington said only people who have something to hide would be worried by the proposed legislation.

“Anything that keeps animals safe is a great idea,” he said.

Animal abusers are often repeat offenders and will go through great lengths to obtain their victims, according to Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“McDonough got her dogs from shelters and pet stores and paid quite a bit of money for pure breed animals that she tortured and killed -- some in front of her children,” said Gross.  “Let’s assume that she goes to buy another animal when she gets out, the pet stores have to check the registry and it’s going to wave a flag.”

At Coindre Hall dog park Friday, dog owners unanimously favored mandatory registry checks.

“To hurt an animal is no different than hurting a child,” said Curt Miller, owner of two labradoodles.  “They’re innocent. What are they going to do?”

The registry will be available online to the public May 23 and will include the names of those convicted of felony or misdemeanor animal cruelty after that date.  “Cooper’s Bill” is awaiting approval from County Executive Steve Levy.  If approved, it will go into effect in about four months.

Purchasers of feeder animals such as mealworms, crickets or mice would be exempt from the proposed law.